Wolf Pack Rugby Program Leads

Rugby Alberta is seeking Program Leads for its Wolf Pack Rugby Teams. Our new Program Leads will help us grow, engage, and deepen the connection we have with our community of athletes, coaches, and parents by executing the programs in positive, purposeful, and professional ways. Rugby Alberta Program Leads will work collaboratively to provide a performance program for Age grade and senior programs for male and female players over the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

With support from the Rugby Alberta, the Program leads will be responsible for the delivery of a positive and holistic high-performance program that supports both individual player development and team success. In addition to on-field success, the Coach is committed to long-term player development, the overall promotion of the game and to operating within the guidelines of a provincial program that is consistent across all levels and ensures Rugby Alberta programs are aa reflection of the Alberta Way.

Job requirements 

• NCCP Level 2 Certified is preferred, however, Rugby Alberta will accept applications from NCCP Level 2 Trained coaches who wish to use the age-grade performance programs to conduct their coach evaluation to compete their certification.
• Rugby ready and concussion management (World Rugby Passport Certificates)
• Experience coaching age grade or club rugby in Alberta
• Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check
• Willingness to implement Rugby Alberta Structure and principles of play
• This is to ensure preparation and continuity for players in the Pathway
• Experience in a rugby coaching role or a role that developed technical skills in program design and delivery
• Experience working with and communicating effectively with a number of different people from diverse backgrounds
• Flexibility to travel
• Supervisory skills with delegation of areas of responsibility
• Team building and group dynamics skills
• Dispute resolution and conflict management skills
• Excellent communication and creative problem-solving skills

Job responsibilities 

• Abide by RUGBY ALBERTA code of conduct
• Scout and recruit players during the season
• Run practices leading up to regional and national championships
• Implementation of Rugby Alberta structure and principles of play
• Provide appropriate guidance and feedback before during and after games relative to team performance
• Provide feedback to athletes who do not make the squads
• Give feedback to Alberta selectors to aide with selection if asked
• Provide positive encouragement while recognizing potential pressure points with players and easing back on training accordingly.
• Aim for the absolute best for these high-performance athletes, creating an environment of hard work, encouragement and positive reinforcement of the boundaries and personal expectations.
• Contribute to the overall management of the programme by taking part in meetings and other activities as needed; and Keep up to d ate with industry best practice and attend any training or undertake
• development opportunities as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the Rugby Alberta  Technical Director to develop, refine, and execute a team plan that maximizes player development.
• Deliver safe, fun, and impactful practices, training camps, and preparation for exhibition and competitive matches.
• Adhere to World Rugby’s Player Welfare and Rugby Canada’s Playsafe protocol of ‘Recognise and Remove’ at all times and promote a culture of disclosing injury and symptoms of concussion.
• Attend the 2022 Alberta Regional Championships (ARC) 7s in Janurary 22-23rd at Foote Field in Edmonton and ARC 15s in July (TBD)
• Lead team at the 2022 Western Canada Rugby Championships on July 28-31 at Kelowna (NB: U16 to U18 only).

The following skills and abilities will help the Coach succeed in the role:

• Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire
• Empathy and understanding of individual needs
• Awareness of cultural differences and supportive of athletes of all backgrounds
• Ability to identify and develop strong relationships at all levels
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic analytical and problem-solving skills
• Professional manner and approach
• Self-motivated with an ability to work unsupervised

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
• Design Practice Plans to address technical deficiencies of academy players;
• Develop and Deliver an Individual Development Plans (“ IDP ”) for each Academy player;
• Develop Key Performance Indicators with each player, in conjunction with the Head Coach, which is specific to each IDP;
• Deliver regular feedback / reviews / previews of training sessions and fixtures that link to IDP and ongoing learning.
• Provide, in conjunction with the Head Coach, both practical and theoretical sessions to individuals, units or teams within the performance pathway as required. 

Application Process

Please submit the following and follow these instructions:

• Resume (in PDF format, titled “[ Resume - FirstName LastName ]”)
• Cover Letter (in PDF format, titled “[ Cover Letter - FirstName LastName ]”)
• Two references who can speak to your skills and experience

Interviews will be conducted by Rugby Alberta staff through video conferencing technology in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closing date for these positions is Dec 31^st 2021. Please specify what age group and gender you are applying for with your cover letter.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Rugby Alberta Executive Director Peter Houlihan at p.houlihan@rugbyalberta.com

WP Program Leads .pdf